HUDDERSFIELD Giants have signed Gateshead Thunder’s Jamie Love in the hope he can prove himself at Super League level.

The 18-year-old centre or back-row forward has moved to the Galpharm on a part-time basis to enable him to study for a Sports Science degree at Leeds Carnegie University.

But the Giants believe the Newcastle-born teenager has the ability to combine both roles and become an important member of Huddersfield’s senior squad.

“I think it’s a great signing for the club,” said Giants’ Head of Youth Performance Pete Riding.

“Jamie’s background is in the north east, which is not traditionally known as a strong rugby league community, but Richard Pell (the former Gateshead Thunder coach) brought Jamie’s name to my attention, and Richard is someone whose opinion I respect immensely.

“I watched a few DVDs of Jamie in action and I liked what I saw, so as soon as we heard he was coming to Leeds to study he became someone we really wanted to sign.

“He’s got many attributes to do extremely well. He’s very athletic, and if we can educate him in different areas of the game I’m convinced we will have a good player on our hands.”

Love enhanced his reputation with a strong showing in the Giants’ recent Academy clash against a New South Wales junior representative side from Australia.

And he’s delighted to have been offered his Giants chance.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for me, especially coming from the north east area where chances can be quite limited,” he said.

“To sign with a top Super League club is a fantastic feeling and I can’t wait to get properly started.

“I’ve met all the club’s younger players and they are a really good bunch, so I’m looking forward to playing and training alongside them. Hopefully, I can work hard here and possibly earn myself a full-time contract after I’ve finished my Sports Science degree at University.”